New Kotaku Article

[cezar515]

There is a new Kotaku article that has the headline "Rock Band Bundle Favors PS3?" The article reads:

"According to Opposable Thumbs' reliable mole, many speculated points about Rock Band have been confirmed. First off, the source claims that the $199 bundle price is legit and that the package, in all, weighs in at a hefty 20 pounds. Plus, they add that the recent rumors that the PS3 package will come with a wireless guitar while the 360 will come with a wired guitar are true. The mole adds that the only undecided factor at this time is the box art.

So while all this info is technically a "rumor," you can pretty safely start the flame wars and *****fests. By the time Rock Band is actually released, you'll be all healed up and ready to play on your respective consoles."

http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/rock-band-bundle-favors-the-ps3-288340.php

It will be interesting to see if this "reliable mole" will be right about the pricing and the bundle info.

[Eman311]

Kotaku isn't reliable whatsoever. But i expect this thread to draw quite a few complainers.

[MrtyMcfly]

Ah jeez, we got at least 4-5 threads already about Wired vs. Wireless. This will just start another one. Seriously, who cares.

The reason is because of Blue Tooth on Ps3, it's meant for wireless accessories.
"*****fest" is sad but true. I'm a 360 owner, but what does it matter. The controllers will still perform just the same.

[Xzyliac]

Unsurprising news FTW!

[Jonnyears]

That sounds good. Not many people that I know have said that they will get it for the PS3, hopefully the wireless guitars for the PS3 bundle will persaude them.

[Knockout_King]

That's alright. Wired is acceptable as long as the wire is lengthy. I'll always have the wireless GHIII guitar if I ever wanted to go crazy.

[Eman311]

I wouldn't imagine wireless guitars would persuade a whole lot of people, I actually don't mind, considering xbox 360 controllers required batteries.

[Bakkster_Man]

It's on Ars Technica too, with the added bonus of the Mole being the same guy who signaled Xbox 360 premiums were getting HDMI.
http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/08/10/final-pricing-and-wireless-controllers-for-rock-band-our-inside-source-speaks

Assuming it's the same Mole, I'm more likely to believe this than be skeptical.

[Nitz13]

Nothing wrong with wired guitars, adds a bit more to the "Realistic" factor and I'll be quite fine with them as long as it isn't a short little chord

[ocfanman]

Gamestop seems to be advertising the same, I could care less, but would prefer the wireless just so I can avoid the whole hub buying,

the box art that gamestop provided for the PS3 version seems to american idolish

but i dont care as long as the game is good

[Jonnyears]

I don't mind wireless guitars for when I am playing with the game, it's just packing it away. It's the most tedious thing I can think of to pack it away! If any of you have the game 'Buzz' for the PS2, you will know how annoying it is to pack the buzzers away with the amount of wire. I would hate to have another game like that. I just want to shove all the instruments straight into the box after I have used them rather than spending ages sorting out wires.

[TheTogfather]

Yah, HMX could do a lot of pre-emptive damage control by providing an extra long wire attached to those 360 guitars...I wouldn't mind one bit then.

[Xzyliac]

Wired guitars + 9-12 foot extension FTW!

Wireless feels like a plastic toy. I own the PS2 one. Bleh. As a guitarist wired is more realistic.

Wyerd 4 lfe!

[Electric_Zen]

Wireless feels like a plastic toy. I own the PS2 one. Bleh. As a guitarist wired is more realistic.

I don't understand this at all. The only time I notice the wire is when I trip over it, or accidentally disconnect it. This doesn't feel more authentic to me, it just pisses me off.

Most of us are not going to be playing on a prepped stage, we're going to be playing in a TV room. And four wired instruments is just too many in that environment.

[stinkdog2007]

I hope the 360 get wired.

[stunner1210]

In a way it won't bother me if I can get everything to run, but I don't like the idea of paying $200 for the bundle with wired, when the opposite platform offers wireless for the same price. I said before I'd rather have one wireless and one wired, so that's where it doesn't matter to me, but I don't see how it can be varied between the consoles with the pricing.

[Bakkster_Man]

I don't understand this at all. The only time I notice the wire is when I trip over it, or accidentally disconnect it. This doesn't feel more authentic to me, it just pisses me off.

Most of us are not going to be playing on a prepped stage, we're going to be playing in a TV room. And four wired instruments is just too many in that environment.

Apparently you've never been in a band. getting pissed off because you're tripping over altogether too many wires IS authentic.

A stage actually has more wires: all the guitars, plus power to the amps, plus cables to the monitors, AND a cable to all the mics (including one on each drum).

As long as the cords are long enough you'll be fine.

[MrtyMcfly]

Apparently you've never been in a band. getting pissed off because you're tripping over altogether too many wires IS authentic.

A stage actually has more wires: all the guitars, plus power to the amps, plus cables to the monitors, AND a cable to all the mics (including one on each drum).

As long as the cords are long enough you'll be fine.

Exactly. I was a singer in a band, it's basically inevitable to be tripping over and kicking wires and sh*t. That is realistic :D

[TheWolf619]

I knew it!! Time to change my pre-order. Wireless>>wired any day.

[Xzyliac]

I don't understand this at all. The only time I notice the wire is when I trip over it, or accidentally disconnect it. This doesn't feel more authentic to me, it just pisses me off.

You must be a klutz because I have never heard of such a fate until now.

How common is such an event? If you're that peeved spend the extra cash. For me wireless just feels...too free. Like plastic meh. It's preference and price but for my money wired is better and actually less hassle.

[MrtyMcfly]

You must be a klutz because I have never heard of such a fate until now.


That is true. I mean, we all like to move around, head bang or do something while playing. Unless you're that idiot who tried to make a case because he smashed through his glass coffee table with his foot and cut his leg lol

There was one guy on here that mentioned his little sister running and tripping the cord, that's understandable, but just make sure no kids/pets are around. You, yourself should not be tripping over such cords while playing a video game. It takes a lot for these accidents to happen.

I'd rather save the hassle of recharging, or replacing batteries or whatever you have to do with the wireless controllers.

[Eman311]

Gamestop seems to be advertising the same, I could care less, but would prefer the wireless just so I can avoid the whole hub buying,

the box art that gamestop provided for the PS3 version seems to american idolish

but i dont care as long as the game is good

You won't have to buy a hub on your own. If you truly needed it, they would include it in the bundle.

[Electric_Zen]

You must be a klutz because I have never heard of such a fate until now.

Who knew? I'm the only Guitar Hero player ever to accidentally disconnect the controller! I must be a klutz.


How common is such an event? If you're that peeved spend the extra cash.

I certainly will. Dealing with the wires is one of many 'realistic' aspects of being in a band that I prefer not to have simulated in the game.

Edit: Since some people seem to have recreated action-movie sequences in describing what I am talking about, I will clarify. When boppin' about with my friends or my wife, I will sometimes move out of the cord range and pull the breakaway cable. My six-year-old son will also walk by sometimes, and pull the breakaway cable. No, I don't go crashing face first into the ground.

[Xzyliac]

Zen I don't mean to offend you but you made it sound like alot more than a disconnected cord which still, in my opinion, doesn't justify shelling out an extra $10-$20 for wireless.

[PinkFloyd]

As a musician I'd say: go with wires. It's authentic, it adds to the experiene etc etc.

As a gamer I'd say: wireless all the way baby.

[mobhit101]

Wow, I gotta say, I'd be one of the ones who would be dissapointed if the 360 bundle is wired.... I mean, I was REALLY looking forward to rocking out wireless and throwing the guitar all over the place without tripping over the wire or getting the "You're rocking out a bit too hard" screen. :-|

Still, it's just a rumor.... for now...............................

[Eman311]

I don't really see how being "wired" makes it more authentic. The more glamorous bands can afford wireless guitar systems. I'd prefer wireless but i'll accept a wired one if it's included in the bundle

[mobhit101]

I may seriously cry if it comes wired and the PS3 is wireless :(

[bounchfx]

i'm pretty sure this is true and it makes me very dissapointed

[Brad_Lee]

Wired is so last gen.


On a side note my last name is Klutz...that's not a joke.... it really is.
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/4817/2007081063495vi2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a><br/>Shot at 2007-08-10

[Coldplayer]

Actually, I don't care that much if the guitars are wireless or not. If they are wireless then it's cool because I can rock harder, if they aren't wireless it's also cool because I don't have to buy batteries all the time. (So, probably even cooler because I can also rock quite well with wired guitars)

[geo2n2]

I don't mind wireless guitars for when I am playing with the game, it's just packing it away. It's the most tedious thing I can think of to pack it away! ....

Ditto.

This news is really disappointing, and is going to irritate a lot of people.

So let's see:

Bundle (Game, drums, mic, wired guitar ) = $200
Separately (Game, drums, mic, wireless guitar) = $60+$80+$80+$30 = $250

Super deal. Thanks guys.

[Eman311]

Who says they're even going to make a wireless RB 360 guitar? or is that based on a 3rd party one?

[geo2n2]

The official separate guitars at EB/Gamestop and Amazon are listed as wireless for $80. There's no extra wired guitar listed.

I guess all of those are in the bundles:mad:

[Akaymay]

That's a funny article. Kotaku is probably THE most unreliable sites ever. Most of their stuff is just junk that people send in, or just plain made up. I remember one of their articles:

"Mod chip breakdown! Police are sending out search warrants for EVERY person in HISTORY who ever bought a mod chip and sending out for their arrest!"

Yeah, they said in HISTORY. That would be how many people arrested? Upwards of 200,000 people? All of their stuff is garbage. Never worth looking at.

[Brad_Lee]

That's a funny article. Kotaku is probably THE most unreliable sites ever. Most of their stuff is just junk that people send in, or just plain made up. I remember one of their articles:

"Mod chip breakdown! Police are sending out search warrants for EVERY person in HISTORY who ever bought a mod chip and sending out for their arrest!"

Yeah, they said in HISTORY. That would be how many people arrested? Upwards of 200,000 people? All of their stuff is garbage. Never worth looking at.


I bought a mod chip for my Xbox and PS2.... barricade the doors!

[AVC808]

the OP incorrectly referenced the story to kotaku. this came from opposable thumbs
http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/08/10/final-pricing-and-wireless-controllers-for-rock-band-our-inside-source-speaks

kotaku just saw that article and linked to it.
although it's still purely a rumor, the source that delivered the HDMI news and the details about the weight of the box give it a bit of credibility. i like that it sounds as if the price will stick to the $199 mark, and the ps3 has wireless. my guess would be that it will also allow a wired USB hookup that also serves as a recharger like the six axis, giving it the freedom to pick best of both worlds.

[geo2n2]

Ars Technica is actually pretty good and does not usually spread B.S. like Kotaku.

[Coldplayer]

BTW, I think 20 pounds is just too heavy. I can't imagine that those controllers are that heavy.

[AVC808]

BTW, I think 20 pounds is just too heavy. I can't imagine that those controllers are that heavy.

id believe it to be around 20 pounds. mainly for the drums. they have to be able to take some abuse and have the electronics to register the hits. if i remember correctly, a friend of mine had a yamaha electronic drum and that thing was pretty hefty.

[Keebler]

If this rumor is true, I would feel extremely cheated. Why should PS3 get the better deal and better value? If you can't get wireless in the bundle, at least lower the price! I shouldn't have to pay $50 extra to buy everything individually just to get a wireless controller!

Enough with the wired. They should go the way of SDTV's....

[Electric_Zen]

If this rumor is true, I would feel extremely cheated.

Fair enough, just realize that you're not being cheated by Harmonix. The persistent rumor is that Microsoft imposes a hefty tax on third parties that want to produce wireless controllers.

I was assuming that they have held off on bundle pricing for so long because they are trying to negotiate with Microsoft to waive the excessive licensing fees. It's really not in Microsoft's best interest to have such a plain-as-day pricing discrepancy on a AAA title like Rock Band.

But as other people have mentioned, Ars Technica is indeed a pretty credible source. I expect that bundle pricing will be announced at PAX as described in this article.

[Bobalicious93]

does nobody else think that wired would be better for the pure fact of having to charge the wireless ones?
it would be cool if they made the wireless one like a play and charge kit though, so you could play wired or wireless

[Coldplayer]

does nobody else think that wired would be better for the pure fact of having to charge the wireless ones?
it would be cool if they made the wireless one like a play and charge kit though, so you could play wired or wireless

Read my post. ;)

[Bobalicious93]

Read my post. ;)
oh, :o :o lol

[Brad_Lee]

Fair enough, just realize that you're not being cheated by Harmonix. The persistent rumor is that Microsoft imposes a hefty tax on third parties that want to produce wireless controllers.

GHIII has wireless and it's only $10 more than GH2 with a wired controller. I'd pay $10 more for wireless.

[espher]

I can't believe the amount of people that seem about ready to break out the razor blades and warm the bath water at this news. It's not like it's new news, and I guess I'm just 'too old' but wired controllers have never been a problem for me.

Wireless is a mixed bag. I like having a Wavebird for playing GameCube games, but the amount of times where I've felt that my play experience would have been less enjoyable with wires (or the amount of times I've said 'boy, I'd love it if my DualShock was wireless') amount to zero. Recharging the batteries is a bit of a pain in the ass as well since, unlike some of my friends, I don't really have any spares to toss into my devices... yet.

Of course, adding a 360 to the Wii might mean I invest in another pack or two, but wired isn't going to kill me -- and quite frankly, Bluetooth sync issues have been a huge pain in my ass at times. ;)

[Bakkster_Man]

BTW, I think 20 pounds is just too heavy. I can't imagine that those controllers are that heavy.

I'll bet the drums are 10lbs and the guitar is ~5lbs, and the mic is 1, plus packaging. If you can't lift 20lbs, go to the gym. Me? I'll be curling the box all the way to the car ;)


If this rumor is true, I would feel extremely cheated. Why should PS3 get the better deal and better value? If you can't get wireless in the bundle, at least lower the price! I shouldn't have to pay $50 extra to buy everything individually just to get a wireless controller!

Enough with the wired. They should go the way of SDTV's....

Prevailing wisdom is that since the PS3 uses Bluetooth for wireless, and Bluetooth is an open, free standard, wireless for PS3 is cheap and easy. Unfortunately, MS didn't go with an open approach, so us XBox guys get the "short end of the stick".

[thegame696911]

If this rumor is true, I would feel extremely cheated. Why should PS3 get the better deal and better value? If you can't get wireless in the bundle, at least lower the price! I shouldn't have to pay $50 extra to buy everything individually just to get a wireless controller!

Enough with the wired. They should go the way of SDTV's....

This is completely Microsoft's fault........ they make it so difficult to have 3rd parties create wireless products and then ontop of that, put their own little 20-30 dollar tax on them.

I own a 360 and will buy Rockband for the 360, but this is one aspect that microsoft really needs to rethink.

[ThePaska]

I assume this is pretty accurate, even if Kataku isn't that reliable. I doubt Rock Band prices and bundles will stray to far from our own speculation.

Now I couldn't care less about wired and wireless guitars. I've used PS2 with a wired guitar since GH I, and never found it problematic at all. I actually like wired guitars because it means i don't have to charge them ever. I have no concerns about taking up all the USB ports either. In fact I'll only need to use up 2, 3 max. Wired guitar and most likely wired drums, with a wireless bass from Guitar Hero III and a wireless controller plugged into the mic, that basically solves any potential problems there could have been.

I have a feeling this article isn't too far off. 20 lbs is a hefty package, I'll be looking forward to lugging that around. Even if Rock Band for 360 is originally wired I would not be surprised to see a wireless one come out very shortly after.

[Brad_Lee]

I can't believe the amount of people that seem about ready to break out the razor blades and warm the bath water at this news. It's not like it's new news, and I guess I'm just 'too old' but wired controllers have never been a problem for me.

Wireless is a mixed bag. I like having a Wavebird for playing GameCube games, but the amount of times where I've felt that my play experience would have been less enjoyable with wires (or the amount of times I've said 'boy, I'd love it if my DualShock was wireless') amount to zero. Recharging the batteries is a bit of a pain in the ass as well since, unlike some of my friends, I don't really have any spares to toss into my devices... yet.

Of course, adding a 360 to the Wii might mean I invest in another pack or two, but wired isn't going to kill me -- and quite frankly, Bluetooth sync issues have been a huge pain in my ass at times. ;)



Having a LAN party where everyone has wired controllers is a mess. When I used to host 16 player Halo LAN parties and three of the TVs were in the same room... I swear every time someone got up one of the controllers was yanked out. Hell 4 wired controllers off of one TV is hell when people jump up to celebrate an awesome kill or to scream, "Oh **** that was so ****ing cheap!"

Have a dorm room with 4 people playing instruments and 4 wires running and then say wires aren't a problem.

[dethklok]

I really don't care if it's wireless or wired... I actually think wired is good because most people buy a lot of batteries just for wireless... Most of us have rechargable batteries, so it doesnt matter, but still, i prefer wired.

[StrikerD]

This sucks, I love running around & jumping on my couch and stuff while playing GHII....I am saddened.

[xCHRISx]

Give me wireless or give me death! I don't care if you pass along the extra $30 cost MS imposes for their wireless technology, just let me purchase it all in a convenient bundle with a wireless guitar. I have both PS3 and 360, but all my friends who will be getting it only have 360's, so I'm kind of forced into it. Don't let me down HMX!

[Flybird]

Meh, I don't really care about wired or wireless, although I prefer wired, so I don't have to worry about batteries PERIOD (rechargeables or otherwise)

Just announce a f*ckin' price already, that's all I care about, so I can gather a certain amount of money for it.

[Terranova]

As a PS3 owner i thought i would add my thoughts on it.. i have to say that for me it depends on what type of battery setup Harmonix is using for the controllers if they are using just standard batteries then i would rather go wired as i don't want to keep spending money and time on getting new batteries and worrying that they will go dead in the middle of a game, if how ever they use the same battery that the sixaxis uses in that it can be charged the same way then it wouldn't be a problem as i have a USB extension cable so i could play as it charges or just leave it wired.

[OliverTwisted]

As a PS3 owner i thought i would add my thoughts on it.. i have to say that for me it depends on what type of battery setup Harmonix is using for the controllers if they are using just standard batteries then i would rather go wired as i don't want to keep spending money and time on getting new batteries and worrying that they will go dead in the middle of a game, if how ever they use the same battery that the sixaxis uses in that it can be charged the same way then it wouldn't be a problem as i have a USB extension cable so i could play as it charges or just leave it wired.

^^This is the point of view I was looking for. Wireless on PS3 raises a few questions for me. PS3 uses bluetooth which is know to have a bit of a lag problem. Not lags all the time but every now and then. That would be very bad for a rythym game. I've also heard (PS3 owners, correct me if I'm wrong) that sometimes the controller will just stop responding and you have to re-sync it. These aren't the kind of problems that would be a dealbreaker, but still be pretty annoying.

Of course the ultimate in annoying is Microsoft being so damn anal about their wireless tech. Uncleanch Mr. Gates, it'll be alright. I haven't had any problems with my X-plorer controller being wired but still wireless would be nice.

And I hope the mic IS wired so I can swing it over my head Daltry style. I'm not much of a singer but I've got to try that scream in Won't Get Fooled Again at least once.

[Ferretwave]

IT would be damn unfair if this whole wired bundle for 360 thing was true. Its not a dealbreaker but I would be pretty pissed being whole many wires I have now. Add in 3 more from various Rock Band instruments and it'll be a friggin jungle. Plus, wireless controllers are next-gen. (lol)

[PinkFloyd]

id believe it to be around 20 pounds. mainly for the drums. they have to be able to take some abuse and have the electronics to register the hits. if i remember correctly, a friend of mine had a yamaha electronic drum and that thing was pretty hefty.

Indeed, in that E3 demo, the Harmonix guy wasn't exactly holding back on the drumming. I mean he wasn't really smashing into the drums like Brad Wilk can do sometimes, but there was some pretty heavy hitting there.

[skyehill]

That's a funny article. Kotaku is probably THE most unreliable sites ever. Most of their stuff is just junk that people send in, or just plain made up. I remember one of their articles:

"Mod chip breakdown! Police are sending out search warrants for EVERY person in HISTORY who ever bought a mod chip and sending out for their arrest!"

Yeah, they said in HISTORY. That would be how many people arrested? Upwards of 200,000 people? All of their stuff is garbage. Never worth looking at.


Umm, weren't they the only ones that had the scoop on HOME for the PS3? And weren't they the ones that reported on HDMI for the 360? I'd say they get a lot right too.

As for wired vs wireless, I don't buy the whole BS "duurrrr its more authentic to have wires!". You know what, it's also more authentic to have 6 strings on the guitar, an amp, and an actual crowd in front of you. Rock Band, however, is a VIDEO GAME. Wireless ftw. Those of us that use a projector for video gaming will also appreciate not having to sit further back just to accomodate the wire. Hard to beat playing GH/RB on a 110 inch screen.

[PinkFloyd]

Umm, weren't they the only ones that had the scoop on HOME for the PS3? And weren't they the ones that reported on HDMI for the 360? I'd say they get a lot right too.

As for wired vs wireless, I don't buy the whole BS "duurrrr its more authentic to have wires!". You know what, it's also more authentic to have 6 strings on the guitar, an amp, and an actual crowd in front of you. Rock Band, however, is a VIDEO GAME. Wireless ftw.

But my mom & dad counts as a crowd right? :p

seriously, like I said, as a musician, I'd prefer wires, as a gamer, Wireless is the way, the truth and the light. And like you said, Rock Band is a game. Hence Wireless for the frigging win.

[Bakkster_Man]

Honestly, as a musician, gamer and computer engineer, I'd rather have wired. It gives me a better feeling that my commands will make it on time to the console. Wireless (especially Bluetooth) has NO guarantee on how quickly your data will be transmit. Even 50ms delay can be noticed, so I'd rather have wired.

I do expect they will make a wireless bundle at some point, for the young'ns who can't remember wired controllers. But, I'd much rather have my wired, thank you very much.

[AVC808]

Umm, weren't they the only ones that had the scoop on HOME for the PS3? And weren't they the ones that reported on HDMI for the 360? I'd say they get a lot right too.

i dont know who reported about home first, but kotaku snips reports off other sites, including the 360 HDMI. i dont really care though if it's them that scoop it, or just report it. its a good website to see the latest news and rumors. youre gonna get wrong information when things are just rumors though, so i dont see why everyone is all over kotaku's back.

[admanimal]

Kotaku got the info from an Ars Technica article, whose source was the same insider who leaked the HDMI thing.

The link to the Ars article is right at the bottom of the Kotaku post.

[dlisapussy]

Everything we hear is just a rumor. Wait for Harmonix to say something. All this bull**** has us guessing.